Congress must review Petraeus' fall

Updated 5:25 pm, Monday, November 12, 2012

The details of this case illustrate the recklessness of Gen. David Petraeus, shown with wife Holly.

The details of this case illustrate the recklessness of Gen. David Petraeus, shown with wife Holly.

Photo: File Photo, Associated Press

Congress must review Petraeus' fall

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Gen. David Petraeus may be the most respected military officer in a generation. That well-deserved respect, earned over decades of service to the nation, explains the national sense of loss at his resignation as CIA director.

Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, spoke for many Americans when she initially suggested that President Barack Obama should not have accepted the resignation. Feinstein later backed off from that position, acknowledging that the circumstances were more complex than simply bad judgment and an extramarital affair. Her committee will need to take the lead in answering several unanswered questions about Petraeus' actions and the investigation into them.

Petraeus acted appropriately in tendering his resignation. While Petraeus claims the affair began after his retirement from the Army last year, he could still be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice which — quaint as the notion may seem in this day and age — still classifies adultery as unacceptable conduct punishable by a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for up to one year.

More important, Petraeus engaged in conduct that would be considered to be impermissible for many who worked under him at the CIA because it opens them up to blackmail. The initial details effectively demonstrate how reckless behavior — in this case, by the director of the CIA — can compromise national security.

How long was the FBI aware of Petraeus' actions? Did the FBI obtain a warrant to read Petraeus' personal emails? And why weren't the president and leaders of the oversight committees in the House and Senate made aware of an investigation into a key national security figure until days or even hours before he tendered his resignation?

No one wants to see Petraeus dragged though the mud. But his departure from public life doesn't answer any of these questions.